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BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern Contest 2013 Elizabeth the ...
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So – I had lots of new sewing books for Christmas and one of them was Burdastyle’s Sewing Vintage Modern. How convenient then that there’s a competition to make a dress from the book using or adapting the patterns given. I’ve never entered a sewing competition before and don’t for a second expect to win, but as I’d already designed lots of outfits from the book and even matched my designs to fabric I already had, I knew there was nothing to hold me back and this weekend I went full steam ahead with the Elizabeth gathered dress! The title stems from the fact that I’m SURE I will be making this dress again, so this is the first of many.
I altered the pattern quite a lot from the original version in the book;
1. I did a full bodice lining rather than the facings the pattern called for – I always find facings a bit messy, plus now you can’t see any stitching on the bodice part of the invisible zip – yay :-) – to make it even neater on the inside I also covered the end of the zip. I attached the bodice front to the back by turning the front the right way round (i.e. wrong side of lining and fabric facing each other) and then slipping the bodice back over it so that the right sides of the outer fabric were touching and the right sides of the lining too. Then I stitched along the shoulder seam, trimmed seams and clipped curves and turned it back around. I hope that makes sense. It’s one of my favourite sewing tips I’ve ever learned – such neat shoulder seams now!
2. I lowered the neckline – a lot! I don’t tend to make muslins, I make the lining first, alter that before cutting the outer fabric and then put it all together. Every time I tried on the lining I wanted it slightly lower so I just kept using my french curve to lower the neckline. I also pivoted the center front in 1cm, grading it down from the top to the bottom of the CF line. If I hadn’t done this, I have no doubt it would have gaped and I have enough on show already to know that gaping is not the way forward!
3. The original dress pattern is nice and simple so I pleated the back before cutting and sewing the bodice. I like the very subtle way it breaks up the Ikat print a bit and depending on the lighting it adds some nice texture to what would other wise be a flat expanse of fabric!
4. Instead of a gathered rectangle for the skirt I gathered a half circle skirt and then made about 100m of black bias binding – at least that’s what it felt like – to go around the hem. I used a tutorial from Colette Patterns to make the binding. http://www.coletterie.com/tutorials-tips-tricks/continuous-bias-tape-tutorial I ran out of fabric for some of the skirt so I tried to match up the print and add an extending section – you can kind of see it at the hem of the front skirt piece (it’s only about an inch deep).
So that’s it really – a very simple pattern, which was perfect for adapting to my own style. I recommend the book, it has some lovely variations to suit all styles. I’d say the original is perfect for a beginner and I guess I made it intermediate with my adaptations.
Please check out my brand new blog! http://dreamingofavonlea.wordpress.com/
Material Notes
100% cotton Ikat fabric – John Lewis sale.
Polyester?? mint green fabric for bodice lining.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Categories
Credits
- Continuous Bias Binding
http://www.coletterie.com/tutorials-tips-tricks/continuous-bias-tape-tutorial
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Mar 26, 2013, 07.31 PMby lelie
What a lovely dress. I is perfect with the beautiful fabric. It suit you so very well. I’m in love!
1 Reply
Mar 26, 2013, 09.51 PMby laracrj
Thank you!
Mar 13, 2013, 06.25 PMby staticstasy
Beautiful dress!
1 Reply
Mar 26, 2013, 09.51 PMby laracrj
Thanks!
Feb 20, 2013, 10.46 AMby gwendestar
This is a great dress ! I’m in love with your fabric ! ;-)
1 Reply
Mar 26, 2013, 09.51 PMby laracrj
Thanks – I love it too!
Feb 19, 2013, 11.36 PMby winkybear
I just love this dress! Also love the boldness of your attitude — charging ahead with confidence! Great job!
1 Reply
Feb 20, 2013, 07.11 AMby laracrj
Ha ha thanks, I look upon it as awkward posing, but I’m glad it comes across like that! x
Feb 1, 2013, 08.06 PMby Dawnqirl
Love the detsil on your dress. Beautiful fabric, definitely a one of a kind dress, well done & good luck!
1 Reply
Feb 1, 2013, 08.45 PMby laracrj
Thank you so much, what a lovely comment!
Jan 22, 2013, 09.25 AMby gimmeonekiss
amazing!
Jan 19, 2013, 05.06 AMby nouvellegamine
I love the pleated back. What a great idea! The dress is wonderful :D
1 Reply
Jan 19, 2013, 08.30 AMby laracrj
Thanks – I just wanted to do something a bit different, but not over the top x
Jan 16, 2013, 12.29 PMby mbalivilakatiyahoocouk
Whoa!!! Love your dress, the detail is amazing. Well done!!
1 Reply
Jan 16, 2013, 05.44 PMby laracrj
Thank you – it’s obviously a good choice of fabric lol! x
Jan 15, 2013, 09.49 PMby MojoHollz
Nee would have ever noticed the opps on the skirt if you hadn’t said anything, very nicely done. I love the subtle detail of the pleating. Great job the fit and print are very lovely on you!
1 Reply
Jan 16, 2013, 05.45 PMby laracrj
Thanks! I like it too!
Jan 14, 2013, 10.18 PMby wildcatspow
Really, really cute! This looks great!!
1 Reply
Jan 16, 2013, 05.45 PMby laracrj
Thanks!
Jan 14, 2013, 03.57 AMby byrdiesews
This is so pretty! Love the print!
1 Reply
Jan 16, 2013, 05.45 PMby laracrj
Thank you!
Jan 13, 2013, 09.11 PMby Amelia Midgley
I love the pleats on the back. Gives a plain dress something special :)
1 Reply
Jan 13, 2013, 10.03 PMby laracrj
Thank you – that’s exactly what I thought!
Jan 13, 2013, 07.22 PMby Mary Athey
I don.t bother with facings either. I think a dress sits better lined. I.love your dress. The fabrics gorgeous.and its lovely on you . Goof.luck x
1 Reply
Jan 13, 2013, 10.03 PMby laracrj
Thank you – I agree, linings all the way!
Jan 13, 2013, 06.31 PMby corinaladue
I don’t like facings much either. I usually do a full lining too or if the fabric is thick enough I use bias tape.